The new-age authors say that the world is in a conspiracy to give you all that you wish to have. This is at best a partial truth with an equally valid opposite side to it. I feel the world is also in a conspiracy to trample upon all that you truly wish to have. The society is in a collusion to not let you be yourself nor let you have things that do not measure up to society’s standards.
For instance, you are a woman with potential but have somehow been relegated to the role of a house-wife, in an orthodox family. Your authentic self is about say an entrepreneurial venture in travel. You choose to work and actualise your potential in the field of travel but your family orthodoxy does not allow for it. How do you now preserve your authentic self in the face of all objections?
Many people have an umbrella vision for their life, an overarching guideline. I too have one. My umbrella vision is ‘Being more and more of myself.’ I feel this is what life is all about. Disentangling yourself from the forces that entangle you all the time. These forces are partly external (say imposing near and dear ones) and partly internal (our insecurity and greed).
Carl Jung coined a term individuation. It is generally defined in a technical manner. I choose to define it in a simpler manner. The process of individuation is all about becoming an individual. The word individual comes from the word indivisible. When you become indivisible, you become one. You are no longer divided into two. This can happen only when you choose to follow the still, small voice within you. Without compromises. Without short changing your dignified self for the sake of artificial comfort.
Make a list of all the areas where you are living lesser than what your authentic self is pressing you to. Your still small voice has lots to tell you. Pay heed to it. Take action on one such area today.
